Pirates get a boost in goal

The Portland Pirates received a big boost on Tuesday when the Anaheim Duck assigned goaltender Jonas Hiller the Pirates, Anaheim’s primary development affiliate in the AHL.

Hiller is most likely the best goaltender not playing in the NHL full-time. In 141 games in the Swiss Elite League, he held an 80-52-10 record with a 2.53 goals against average and had 16 career shutouts. The Ducks had tried for three seasons to sign Hiller before finally getting him under contract on May 25, 2007.

Last season, he played for HC Davos guiding that team to both the Swiss Elite League championship and the Spengler Cup. Hiller would post a 28-16-0 record with a 2.60 goals against as he was named Best Goalie in the SEL.

Hiller, native of Felben Wellhausen, Switzerland, appeared in two games for Anaheim this season. He held a record of 1-1-0 with a 3.03 goals-against average and a .885 save percentage. His first NHL win was a 4-1 decision against the Los Angeles Kings, stopping 22-of-23 shots.

Currently, the Pirates have four goaltenders with the team in Hiller, McKenna, Coleman and Levasseur.

Notes: Back in September, Dan LaCouture failed to report to Portland and as a result, he was suspended by the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks have terminated the contract allowing LaCouture to sign with HC Lugano of the Swiss Elite League.